Taiwan has lost one of its longest-serving lawmakers, a loss felt across party lines in Taitung and in the Kuomintang.

• Jao Yung-ching died at his family home in Taitung's Beinan township, aged 93.
• He spent 24 years in the Legislative Yuan across eight terms, serving as the KMT's chief whip and later as vice speaker from 1999.
• He worked closely with then-president Lee Teng-hui for 12 years and helped push through the freeze on the provincial government.
• His line "wait long enough under the stage and it becomes ours" became a byword for patience and seniority in Taiwanese politics.
• His daughter Jao Ching-ling, now Taitung county magistrate, said he died peacefully; a rival lawmaker from the DPP also paid tribute.

Outlook: The family is keeping arrangements low-key, opening a memorial hall in Chulu for friends and relatives to pay respects.